Steelers Have Untraditional Route To Fix Receiving Corps That Would Make Arthur Smith Extremely Jealous

The Pittsburgh Steelers hold the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the draft being hosted in Pittsburgh for the first time ever, excitement has been steadily building around the organization and its fan base. The draft is less than a month away, and with 12 total selections at their disposal, new head coach, Mike McCarthy, is looking to continue his track record of strong draft classes, this time working alongside Steelers General Manager Omar Khan.

The Steelers’ Round 1 selection has been the subject of heavy debate, with many projecting wide receiver as the most likely target given the strength and depth of the class at that position. Still, speculation has begun to branch out as the front office evaluates creative ways to maximize value. With multiple roster needs to address, Pittsburgh could be drawn toward a prospect capable of contributing in more than one role early in his career, adding both versatility and immediate impact to the offense.

One intriguing name that has surfaced comes from Steelers insider Gerry Dulac, who has hinted on multiple occasions that the team could be open to selecting Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq at that spot if he is available. While speaking on his show on 93.7 The Fan, former NFL tight end Dorin Dickerson emphasized why Dulac’s hints should be taken seriously, suggesting that Sadiq could represent more than just a surprise pick, but a potential masterclass move in Round 1 for Khan and McCarthy.

"The first-round tight end this year is none other than Kenyon Sadiq," Dickerson said while speaking on The Fan on Wednesday. "The player who broke my 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine. He ran a 4.39. I ran 4.4 flat. He is 6'3", 245 pounds. I was 6'2", 235 pounds. This guy is a receiver. Kenyon Sadiq is a receiver. He's a big receiver who can block at times. He's not a tight end, but he will be listed as a tight end. He is not a tight end. He is a wide receiver. If the Steelers do go that route, that is exactly what Mike McCarthy is talking about."

Immediately, Dickerson pointed out that the natural reaction from Pittsburgh football fans will be, "What about veteran tight end Pat Freiermuth?" Many know that Freiermuth is the ultimate team guy, but he is a solid receiving tight end who, for some odd reason, received few opportunities during the 2025 season despite the offense being in desperate need of another receiving threat. 

Dickerson believes Sadiq not only still makes sense, but is a complete upgrade.

"Freiermuth is an awesome guy," Dickerson said. "I love Pat Freiermuth, but he offers one thing, and that is being a receiving target. Now, he is a good receiving target, but he is not the complementary tight end, explosive type that a Kenyon Sadiq could be or a Darnell Washington could be. You need three tight ends; you only have two right now. If you draft one in the first round, that could be essentially a wide receiver."

Steelers TE Room Didn't Live Up To The Hype In 2025

The Steelers tried something similar with veteran tight end Jonnu Smith in the 2025 season. Many thought that a room of him, Freiermuth, and Washington would be lethal. 

Washington had a great season, but the other two were disappointing for separate reasons. Now, Pittsburgh may try again, only this time with McCarthy steering the offense.

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